Albert J. Marro / Staff Photo
Foley Brothers Brewery Inc., held an open house Saturday in Brandon. The fledgeling brewery unveiled Ginger Wheat and Brown Ale for all legal adults to sample. From left are Patrick Foley, Daniel Foley and little sister Christine Foley. The Foleys also make Purple Haze wine at the location. 11/24/12

BRANDON — The first brewery in Rutland County is now open.

Dan and Patrick Foley of Brandon kicked off their new beer-brewing business at the Neshobe River Winery on Saturday. Foley Brothers Brewing offers Ginger Wheat and Brown Ale beers in 22-ounce bottles; both will be available on a wholesale basis in the coming weeks.

The Foleys were all smiles yesterday as locals and beer connoisseurs traveled from near and far to sample their beers, eat wood-fired pizza, and enjoy fall’s last hurrah.

Dan Foley, the brewmaster, said he and Patrick Foley wanted to diversify the products they offer and also because ... they love beer.

“I just love it,” Foley said with a laugh. “My brother is a winemaker, I’m more into beer. But we’re striving to make a beer that’s all Vermont ingredients. It’s a passion.”

The Foleys gave beer brewing a shot because wine production was limited over the last couple of years, they said. They already had much of the capital with which to brew beer, and also sought help from others they know in the business.

According to Dan Foley, he uses Vermont maple syrup, some Vermont-grown hops, and ginger wheat for the new beers. They are seeking out more hop growers in the local area and they will also grow their own next season.

“We go through three to four pounds of hops per week,” Foley said. “We’re putting out six barrels a week, and our beers will be available in stores where our wines are already being sold.”

Patrick Foley oversees Neshobe Winery and Foley Brothers Brewing’s production. He said they brewed 30 gallons of beer for nine months as a test run. Once they got the hang of it, they brewed 60 gallons or six barrels a week.

The Foleys will start selling kegs in the winter to local bars, restaurants and ski areas. Foley said they plan on being small brewers for the time being.

“We’re not a big start-up company. We just want to sell our product in order to pay ourselves and see where it goes from there,” said Patrick Foley.

As for Dan Foley, he’s looking forward to starting another business venture with his brother.

“It’s been fun getting it started. It’s all a family business,” Dan Foley said.

For more information on Neshobe River wines and Foley Brothers’ beers, visit www.neshoberiverwinery.com.